Miami Dolphins’ Byron Maxwell: I won’t ask for trade or release

Cornerback Byron Maxwell celebrated after a great play helped the Miami Dolphins defeat the San Francisco 49ers last season. Maxwell hasn’t been playing this season. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

DAVIE — Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell hasn’t played in the last three games and there’s no guarantee he’ll be active even when he is fully healthy, but Maxwell is not expressing interest in a change of scenery.

“No,” Maxwell said, when asked Wednesday if he would ask to be released or traded.

Maxwell was a key to Miami’s strong regular-season finish last season. But the Dolphins are going with rookie Cordrea Tankersley, who has played well, and second-year corner Xavien Howard as starters.

Miami also has had Bobby McCain, Alterraun Verner and Walt Aikens dressing as corners and Walt Aikens and Jordan Lucas dressing as CB/S.

Earlier Wednesday, coach Adam Gase was asked if Maxwell will be active if and when he’s healthy.

“I don’t know, we’ll see,” Gase said.

Gase was asked what it would take for Maxwell, 29, to return to the field.

“I think he just needs to keep working, just keep doing really what he was doing before he… he’s kind of been banged up a little bit,” Gase said. “Once we get him back out there and we keep working through (the) little bit of injuries that he has had … He always finds a way to get back in the mix. I know sometimes it’s frustrating when you’re a veteran player and you’ve got a younger guy starting in front of you right now; but the good thing is he’s a pro. He studies hard; he works hard. He goes out there, he gives us everything he has day in and day out when he’s out there. That’s really all you can do, and then when your number is called, just be ready to perform.”

Maxwell has a foot injury, which he described last week as a “bruise.”

On Wednesday, Maxwell said his health is good.

Maxwell started 13 games for the Dolphins last season, recording 43 tackles, 15 passes defended and 4 forced fumbles.

This season, Maxwell’s cap hit is $8.5 million. There are three years and more than $30 million left on his deal, but it’s not guaranteed.

So Miami can, and presumably will, cut ties with Maxwell after this season.